Text: “Transcript: A Conversation With Christopher Hitchens.” Radio Free Europe. https://www.rferl.org/a/transcript_conversation_with_christopher_hitchens/2244720.html
(This interview is far too long for an actual Paper 1. If it were to be used for an actual Paper 1 the IB would use a shorter extract).
Before you read the “spoiler” bullet points below take a careful look at the text. Imagine it is a text you are using for your DP Language A Language and Literature assessments: the individual oral, the HL essay, or Paper 1 and analyze it accordingly. (This text would not be appropriate for Paper 2).
Some elements of the text to consider:
- The considerable length and depth of Hitchen’s answers and the type of language he uses.
- The breadth and depth of the questions and answers
- The tone of the interview – some interviews are neutral, some are fawning / collegial, while others are combative. What is the tone of this interview?
- Given the topics discussed in the interview and the language and length of the answers, what is the audience?